Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and districts where learners learn to develop their skills as a leader while having fun and making connections. RC Waterfront consistently supports this programme.

The RYLA camp was held at the Carmel Campsite outside Franschhoek from 27 to 30 March. Two learners from Trafalgar High school, Abubakr Ismail and Azrah Hendricks, accompanied two learners from the Salesian Institute, JP Sterries and Aazhiq Kariem, joined by 70 learners from all over the Western Cape.

JP was chosen as leader for the next RYLA camp and his smile in the photo clearly expresses his experience of the camp (boy on the left of pic above). JP’s highlight of the camp was to be part of a team that enjoyed working together. 

Aazhiq found the walk to the mountain pool and swimming in the refreshing cold water delightful. Azrah enjoyed the hike along the river bed and arriving at the end throughly wet, was an exciting highlight. Abubakr started off in a team that could not work together and the experience of being part of a team, resolving all issues and kniiting together, very uplifting.

We are looking forwward to inviting the four young people to a breakfast to share their stories. It is clear that their personal growth, the cameraderie and the joy emphasize the immense value RYLA brings to young people. The four learners expressed their appreciation towards Waterfront Rotary. They are grateful that Waterfront Rotary are creating opportunities for young people to learn skills in meeting future challenges. (Tony Austen)

Next up: AIC – Adventures into Citizenship